November 14, 2007

Sorcerer Executed in Saudi Arabia

The
official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that evidence of witchcraft
such as books on black magic, a candle with an spell "to summon devils"
and "foul-smelling herbs" had been discovered in the man’s house.

The
Egyptian was reported by a neighbour, who said he was using magic to
try and separate him from his wife. SPA reported that the man had
‘confessed to adultery with a woman’ and had desecrated the holy Koran
by placing it in the bathroom.

Human rights activists have condemned the execution.

"This is a sad day for justice in Saudi Arabia. This execution is a
clear indicator of the medieval character of the Saudi judicial
system," said Ali Al Ahmed, a Washington-based rights activist of Saudi
Arabia's Shi'ite Muslim minority.

Executions are usually
carried out in public and people are beheaded with a sword for murder,
rape, drug smuggling and armed robbery.

Comments

The
official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that evidence of witchcraft
such as books on black magic, a candle with an spell "to summon devils"
and "foul-smelling herbs" had been discovered in the man’s house.

The
Egyptian was reported by a neighbour, who said he was using magic to
try and separate him from his wife. SPA reported that the man had
‘confessed to adultery with a woman’ and had desecrated the holy Koran
by placing it in the bathroom.

Human rights activists have condemned the execution.

"This is a sad day for justice in Saudi Arabia. This execution is a
clear indicator of the medieval character of the Saudi judicial
system," said Ali Al Ahmed, a Washington-based rights activist of Saudi
Arabia's Shi'ite Muslim minority.

Executions are usually
carried out in public and people are beheaded with a sword for murder,
rape, drug smuggling and armed robbery.